Tracy McGrady is a name that is often forgotten when people discuss the all-time great basketball players. He is one of the most talented and exciting players of his generation. You can learn more about Tracy McGrady below.
The Start
McGrady is from Florida and was born on May 24, 1979. He would play high school basketball at Auburndale High School in Auburndale, Florida for three years. Tracy would then transfer to Mount Zion Christian Academy, in Durham, North Carolina.
McGrady was named High School Player of the Year by USA Today. His ability and talent were so exceptional that he would go from high school directly to the pros.
NBA
McGrady would be drafted in the first round of the 1997 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. He was the ninth overall pick. McGrady entered the league when high school players going pro was becoming increasingly more common. Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant were other players in the era who went straight from high school to the pros.
Struggles
The start of his career was not a spectacular one. He was relegated to the bench and did not get many minutes on the court. Being a teenager, and being on the same team as Vince Carter, hampered his playing time early on. In the summer of 2000, McGrady became a free agent.
Magic
TMAC would join the Orlando Magic and he would be given the freedom to show off his versatility. His growth in Orlando was huge. He could score anywhere on the court. His athleticism was through the roof.
He would quickly become one of the top scorers in the league. TMAC would become an all star and one of the most popular players in the league. He was arguably the most exciting player in the league at the time.
End Of Career
The swingman would become a bit of a journeyman at the end of his career. He had a run with the Houston Rockets that was promising. But his paring with Yao Ming sadly brought little playoff success.
He would then play for New York, Detroit, Atlanta, and San Antonio. He event played a year in China.
Sadly, injuries limited his full potential. His 15-year career ended with McGrady as a role player. He struggled to stay healthy and on the court.
Basketball Legend
Tracy McGrady is an NBA legend. He is one of the best scorers to ever play, and unfortunately injuries have hurt his legacy. He was a walking highlight reel, that even had a line of signature shoes with adidas. TMAC is one of the best basketball players ever.
- Adam C. Better
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